UEFA will introduce a new two-tier qualification system for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, effectively separating Europe’s strongest nations from lower-ranked teams such as San Marino, Gibraltar, Malta, Liechtenstein and Andorra.
The move follows long-standing criticism of uncompetitive qualifying matches and aims to create a more balanced and engaging format.
Under the new structure, the top 36 European nations — determined by the 2028 UEFA Nations League rankings — will compete in League 1. These teams will be divided into three groups of 12, with each nation playing six matches against six different opponents, rather than the traditional home-and-away format against every team in the group.
The remaining 18 lower-ranked nations will compete in League 2, giving smaller countries a fairer and more realistic opportunity to achieve positive results and compete for qualification pathways.
Qualification will also adopt a system inspired by the UEFA Champions League format. Unlike the current structure, where some nations play six qualifiers and others eight, all teams will now play six matches.
The winners of the League 1 groups will qualify directly for the World Cup, while additional qualification spots will be decided through play-offs. UEFA has not yet confirmed the exact allocation of automatic places.
UEFA President said the new format would improve competitive balance, reduce meaningless fixtures, and create a more attractive competition for supporters, while maintaining fair qualification opportunities for all nations without adding more international dates.
UEFA also confirmed changes to the Nations League from 2028 onwards. The competition will be reorganised into three divisions of 18 teams, each split into three groups of six. Teams will continue to play six matches, but against five different opponents, with promotion, relegation, semi-finals, and finals all remaining part of the competition.
